How do you choose the colour of the tile?

There is no shortage of different colours available in the tile industry. Base your colour choice on the colour scheme of your home. Keep in mind changing a tiled floor is not the easiest, so choosing a conservative colour is wise. If the space is large, don’t be afraid of using a darker colour to ground the space. Use a lighter shade in a smaller space that is being tiled.

What aesthetic features other then colour should be considered, prior to choosing a tile?

Size, shape, texture, layout and grout colour should all be taken into consideration before committing to a tile. Generally, a tile is selected in proportional scale to the room. However, do not rule out a large tile for a small room. In actual fact a larger tile in a small room will visually expand small areas as well as unify larger ones. The shape of the tile will set the tone of the room. A straight edge tile is suited for, but not limited to a formal setting. A scalloped edge is suited best for natural and rustic areas. Tiles of octagonal or hexagonal shape are usually used in formal or period style rooms. If ease of cleaning is a key component, a smooth tile should be used instead of heavy textured tiles. Reserve those for a rustic space or when slip resistance is an issue. The layout of the tile will depend on the space of the room. A multi-sized pattern should only be installed in a room large enough to establish the pattern. The grout colour should blend into the tile as much as possible. Contrasting grout colours emphasize grout joints, thus making the room appear smaller.

How do you choose an installation pattern?

Analyze the space of your room. Is it large enough to establish a pattern? If not there is no need to install a multi-patterned floor if you can’t see enough of it. To make a small space appear larger, especially if it’s a long and narrow space, install the tile on a 45 degree angle. It will visually expand the room by eliminating the bowling alley effect.